Contact: Jeff Darman
610.925.1976 
jdarman@kennett.net 

May 25, 2006

The 25th anniversary running of the ACLI Capital Challenge a three mile race that took place Wednesday, May 3rd in Washington, DC’s Anacostia Park, was full of surprises. A record 38 Senators and Congressman, plus Agency Heads, Federal Judges and scores of media were among the 700 runners taking part. Teams were captained by a US Senator, Representative, Cabinet member or Sub Cabinet Presidential appointee, Federal Judge, On-air Media personality or professional journalist. Navy, the longtime overall team winner, was sunk by Representative Bart Gordon’s team, marking the first time a congressional team has claimed the overall title.

Started in 1981, the purpose of the ACLI Capital Challenge is to determine who is fittest: the Legislative Branch, the Executive Branch, the Judicial Branch, or the media that covers them, and to raise money for the DC Special Olympics.

Kenny Moore, the celebrity guest athlete, was the “official whistle blower” for the race and started the runners on their way. Senator John Sununu (R-NH) took home top Senator finish honors (20:10), while Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) repeated as the Senate women’s winner (38:58). 
Representative Bart Gordon (D-TN) is still the fastest man in Congress (Mike Synar Award) and getting faster with his 18:05 time, twelve seconds ahead of his ‘05 time. Representative Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) captured her second title as women’s Congressional winner, finishing in 25:55.

Overall winners were the Navy’s Sean Montgomery (15:58) and Vicki Lang of the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (18:43). Foreign Relations Chairman Senator Richard Lugar continued his streak by finishing his 25th straight Challenge and received several honors, including a special commemorative Wheaties Champion box with his picture on it. Race records were set by Representative Jane Harman (D-CA) in the Women’s Captain 60-69 division (29:19) and Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) who broke his own record in the men’s 70 and over captain category by two seconds (27:54). 

The ACLI Capital Challenge highlights the ability of many of the nation’s busiest leaders to stay fit. All entry fees go to DC Special Olympics. The title sponsor, ACLI (American Council of Life Insurers), and contributing sponsors: ING, Northwestern Mutual, The Principal Financial Group, Swiss Re, Qwest Communications, Roll Call and Running Times also donated additional funds to DC Special Olympics, as well as paying all race expenses. This year a record $16,800 was raised.

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